FAMILES thronging to Bolton Abbey are set to enjoy a blend of nature, education and quality time this summer.
The estate's summer events programme follows on from the refurbishment of the 62 stepping stones which cross the River Wharfe.
Steeped in nostalgia, the stones have been replaced to allow fresh memories to be made by newer generations.
Aside from the stones, a plethora of events and activities have been scheduled.
Theatre enthusiasts may wish to mark Saturday, July 27 in the diary, as that's when Bolton Abbey will host a unique outdoor performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet by touring company Illyria.
The play, which was last performed by Illyria over a decade ago, will be staged against the backdrop of the priory ruins, promising a unique theatre experience. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/illyria/t-krlgaea.
Bolton Abbey is also transforming into the perfect outdoor playground for the summer holidays.
To kick things off, families can take part in the Welly Walk, a trail that starts from the refurbished stepping stones and meanders along the River Wharfe to the Cavendish Pavilion.
At the end of the walk, after traversing the fun obstacles along the way, an ice cream reward is available.
Next to the Cavendish Pavilion, the estate's famous Pirate Ship and Pop-up Beach are back for little ones to role-play their seafaring adventures.
Equipped with a slide, a climbing net, a climbing wall, a pirates’ pole, and a ship’s wheel, the ship offers a world of fun and creativity.
And of course there'll be space to build sandcastles galore.
The Pirate Ship and Pop-up Beach will be available throughout the summer holidays.
For those with a taste for cycling, the Family Cycle Zone is a safe haven from traffic and pedestrians.
The zone has grass ‘roads’ and signs to guide children as they learn to navigate a roundabout and handle different junctions.
On the evening of Tuesday, August 6, Bolton Abbey will host a bat walk.
Visitors will receive guidance from a North Yorkshire Bat Group expert on how to spot these winged creatures.
Moira Smith, visitor experience and marketing manager at Bolton Abbey, said: "This summer, we want to invite as many people as possible to come and enjoy themselves at Bolton Abbey.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages for another jam-packed summer of adventure!"
More information on the summer events taking place at Bolton Abbey is available at https://boltonabbey.com/.
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